Chiefs monitoring McCluster tests to rule out MRSA

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeDecember 13, 2013

The Kansas City Chiefs will again be without three starters when they play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, while the team is also monitoring wide receiver Dexter McCluster following a "minor" procedure to clean out an infection in his ankle. Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said McCluster experienced soreness in his ankle after practicing Wednesday, and while an MRI showed no structural damage it did reveal a small cut on the outside of his ankle. The procedure was done to open the wound, clean it and he was released Friday. Burkholder said cultures taken are being evaluated to rule out MRSA. "He still has a chance to play on Sunday because it is basically a laceration that he had an infection in," Burkholder said. "I know the big question is does he have MRSA and we don't know that yet because we don't have all of the cultures back so that's where we're at with Dexter." McCluster was officially listed as questionable, and Chad Hall was re-signed and would likely serve as the punt returner if McCluster cannot play Sunday. Safety Quintin Demps also has experience as a return man. Coach Andy Reid announced left tackle Branden Albert, tight end Anthony Fasano and outside linebacker Justin Houston were all ruled out after being unable to practice Friday. "They're making progress, in particular the last two," Reid said of Fasano and Houston. "They worked out all week and did a pretty good job during the workouts, working with the scout team, but they're not quite ready yet." All three also missed last week's game. Albert has been leading with a left knee injury suffered Dec. 1, while Fasano suffered a concussion in the same game against the Denver Broncos. Houston took part in some limited practice this week but will miss his third consecutive game since suffering a dislocated right elbow against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 24. Wide receiver/return man Dexter McCluster was listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He experienced soreness the day after practicing Wednesday, and an MRI revealed an infection that required a "minor" procedure, according to Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder. "He still has a chance to play on Sunday because it is basically a laceration that he had an infection in. I know the big question is does he have MRSA and we don't know that yet because we don't have all of the cultures back so that's where we're at with Dexter."